Level: Beginner to Intermediate // Watch Time: 25min
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, we all need a little bit of creative inspiration from time to time. Ableton Live has a number of powerful MIDI tools you can use to generate an unlimited amount of chords, melodies and basslines whenever you get stuck.
Using Live’s advanced routing capabilities, a hint of controlled randomisation and some polyrhythms you can generate long patterns of MIDI notes within a chosen scale from which you can pick and choose the bits you like.
This works with any version of Ableton Live and it’s really easy to set up and use. Follow along below to learn how.
Be sure to check out part two below for even more advanced MIDI generation techniques and grab the free Pattern Generator template to get going with this technique right away.
Requires Ableton Live 9.7+
Generate EVEN More IDEAS
In part two you’ll learn more advanced techniques for generating MIDI patterns. Explore how to control the timing, length and velocity of the generated notes. Learn how to get even more unique chords using Racks and add additional randomisation with Follow Actions.
Video Notes
- If you’re unfamiliar with Effect Racks and Chains then please first read the Ableton Live Reference Manual entry on Effect Racks and Chains.
- If you’re unfamiliar with Follow Actions then please read the Ableton Live Reference Manual entry on Follow Actions.